1. Most films use a system of editing known as continuity editing. Its sole aim is to
get the story moving along and get the audience completely immersed in the
plot.
In drama sequences, the purpose of editing is often:
- identification (with charactors)
- conflict
- intensification
The function of this system is to make the drama as fluid as possible, so that the
audience are not aware of the construction process. Therefore, you need to be
especially aware to spot the techniques of editing employed during a textual
analysis. Remember also that sometimes sound is used to ‘bridge’ the cut and
make it less noticeable on screen.
The process of editing is more concerned with the creation or meaning rather
than the taking away of material.
Editing often works through the cutting of different shots to create meaning.
Editing pace:
This is the speed and tempo of the cuts – slow can suggest emotion and fast can
suggest tension, action of uncontrollable events. This is the first most obvious
thing to look for as it gives you an insight into the tempo and feel of the
sequence.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can employ.
The most common of these is the cut. – this is when editing works through the
juxtaposition of different shots to create a meaning.
Two contrasting things showing two
different things.
Matched cut:
It creates a relationship between two things, seems smooth, if two people are
talking, they will be on the same level, more realistic.
Jump cut:
An abrupt cut from one scene to another.
Cross cut:
A cut from narrative or line of action to another.
Cutaway:
Cuts away to a reaction of something. Usually when people are angry or upset.
Match on action:

2. A cut in which two parallel actions are mirrored, so it suggests a strong
relationship between two scenes. Cutting on movement helps to maintain the
rhythm of a sequence.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade:
Transition to or from a blank screen.
Dissolve:
A slow transition as one image merges to another.
Wipe:
An optical effect in which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic
effect.
Superimposition:
Two things placed on top of each other, one shot wipes away another off the
screen.
Split screen:
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action. This can be
referred to as a parallel action.
Effects:
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow motion or fast
motion.
Slow motion:
Action slows down which can show seriousness or past events.
Montage:
Lots of clips put together to show meaning. Used to group things together and
reduce time.
Long take:
Does not cut away but lingers on one piece of the action.